Finnish Design Blog

Trying to figure out something simple to give your co-workers, a teacher, or your dear mom this holiday season? Sure it’s easy to go buy a gift card and use it as a stocking stuffer or put in a card, but why not break the mold and buying them something different that they definitely can use? That’s why I suggest taking a look at the variety of beautiful coffee mugs by Marimekko. With over 20 different designs, patterns and colors, you should be able to find something that fits the personality of the person you’re shopping for. From the fun polar bear mug to the classic unikko flower, there’s something for everyone. You can always stuff that gift card in the mug Happy holiday shopping!

Pictured from left to right, top row: Pakkanen, Jääkarhu (Polar Bear), Kevätjuhla; bottom row: Umi, Cheetah

The Iittala Marimekko glass bowl (commonly referred to as a Maribowl) are back in demand this holiday season as these popular glass goblets are perfect for serving candies, nuts and desserts. (Have I mentioned recently just how great the Finnish Fazer chocolate bars are?) These Iittala Marimekko glass bowls are currently available in eight traditional colors so you should be able to find one that fits your preference. Impress your guests or satisfy you love for Finnish Iittala glass with these classic Maribowls.

The simplicity of the Kartio glassware collection by Iittala has lasted the tests of time and continues to be a crowd pleaser. Originally designed by Finnish designer Kaj Franck in 1958, his simple and pure design was born with the focus of what a hand would like to hold. Made out of thick Iittala glass, Kartio glasses are durable and intended for every day use. The Kartio glass collection is available in two sizes of tumblers and in a variety of colors (the Kartio pitchers are also very unique and popular too). See what the buzz is all about and add Kartio drinkware to your cupboard today.

Give a gift this holiday season in a decorative Marimekko tin. These dressy tins are perfect for filling up with holiday candies (Finnish Fazer chocolate is a real pleaser), cookies and nuts as you can use them as a storage, serving or display piece. These tins can be used for whatever you wish and are available in the Marimekko Lumimarja and Pakkanen patterns. Dress up your gifts with decorative tins by Marimekko.

The latest collectible Moomin character mug is here! Iittala Arabia releases a new holiday Moomin mug each year. The 2008 collectible Moomin Christmas mug displays a winter scene with Moominpappa and Mr. Brisk warming up by a bonfire, while Moomin and Snork Maiden are cuddling on a nearby bench. These are always very popular mugs and supplies are always limited so get one now in time to celebrate the holidays!

Marimekko, the leading textile and clothing design company in Finland, and Italian fashion group Dolce & Gabbana have agreed on an out of court settlement for Dolce & Gabbana’s use of Marimekko’s trademark protected Unikko pattern. Exact figures were not disclosed but a fee will be paid to Marimekko, and each company will withdraw all lawsuits concerning the Unikko trademark. You can read the more about the story on the Finnish Broadcasting Company (YLE) website.

Help participate and join the fight against poverty.

Today is Blog Action Day. It is an annual nonprofit event that aims to unite the world’s bloggers, podcasters and videocasters, to post about the same issue on the same day. Our aim is to raise awareness and trigger a global discussion. Worldwide, between 320 and 440 million people live in poverty. In the U.S. that number is around 40 million (roughly 12% of the population). The numbers are staggering and continue to grow. As the definition or calculation of poverty can be determined in many different ways, that is not the point here. The point is to acknowledge that many people are deprived of basic human needs that are responsible for proper living (including food, safe drinking water, healthcare, shelter, education and information).

As we are all citizens of Earth and more importantly, humanity – and we can all do something to help combat this growing tragedy. I’m not asking for all of us to join the Peace Corps or travel and be missionaries through churches and schools (although both are great ways to get involved), but the simple concept of “Think globally, act locally” is an easy way for us to start helping and join the fight against poverty.

Whether you contribute or start a canned food drive at your work or office, volunteer at your local United Way program or monetarily donate to local and international charities and programs like The Global Fund (against AIDS) or The Hunger Project, we all can do something to help combat this epidemic. Check out the growing list of simple and effective things we all can do to make a difference.

As the seasons change and the rain or snow begins to fall, don’t let the dreary days bring you down. You can stay dry and be noticed while using a fashionable umbrella by Marimekko. FinnishGifts carries over 15 colorful Marimekko umbrellas. Whether you want a quality umbrella just for its functionality or as a fashion accessory to match your Marimekko bag or Marimekko rain poncho, FinnishGifts has you covered. Check out all the different patterns and fun designs we offer. Also, if you’re looking for a mini-umbrella that isn’t a nuisance carry or to fit in a small bag, we do carry several Marimekko mini-umbrellas (shown in the image below). These umbrellas are a great accessory to any collection and makes a wonderful gift for any Marimekko lover!

A great new offer from FinnishGifts, save $10 on your next order instantly! Buy some new Festivo candles and candleholders for the holidays, or start buying those Iittala and Marimekko items for yourself or your loved ones early this holiday season. Whatever you’re shopping for, be sure to take advantage of this limited-time offer by following these two easy steps:

• Shop for your favorite items at FinnishGifts.com and add them to your cart.
  (Minimum $100 order for this special offer.)
• Proceed to checkout and enter promotion code save10 in the promotion field.

*Not valid with other offers. $100 minimum purchase. Valid through 10/16/08.

Freedom of Creation

Freedom of Creation is lighting design for the 21st century. Rising designer Janne Kyttänen is the founder of Freedom of Creation. What makes his lights so unique is the new technological process that goes into producing these elegant lamps.

Kyttänen utilizes Rapid Manufacturing technology, more specifically a process called Laser Sintering to create these truly unique lights. Laser Sintering inputs a CAD drawing and a laser begins to build the model layer by layer until a flawless 3-D object is created out of Polyamide material. It is quite a revolutionary process.

Freedom of Creation lamps are more than just accent lights, they are fine pieces of art and are unlike any lamp out on the market today. FinnishGifts carries the 610 Lamp, Standing Palm Lamp and Table Palm Lamp. These lights are an instant conversation starter and rest assured you will get many compliments about these unrivaled lamps!